“The artist’s role is to raise the consciousness of the people. To make them understand life, the world and themselves more completely. ”
-amiri baraka
WACO’S 2023/24 Artistic Season, WE THE PEOPLE featured the multidisciplinary work of LA-based artists, who use their artistic practice to raise the consciousness and grow the power of their communities. The program included a two-weekend festival of Black art and ideas, along with a national convening of Black playwrights in partnership with artEquity.
Let Me Check in the Back
June 7 – 8
A hybrid, immersive solo performance set in a fictional pop-up concept store, where shoppers experience a delayed-coming-of-age Black queer story.
Vitamin Jazz
June 7 – 8
A jazz choreographer, instrumentalist and vocalist unpack a health disparity among Black women across the African diaspora. Can jazz heal the Black body?
Black Playwrights Gathering
June 19
In partnership with artEquity, 100 Black playwrights will gather on Juneteenth to celebrate their collective artistry and contributions to Black storytelling.
A Vessel Born to Float
June 28 – 29
A love letter to the Black woman. Based on on a collection of poems, explore race, queerness, justice, community, self love and the healing properties of water.
Sweet Bea’s
June 28 – 29
A humorously heartfelt musical cabaret and homage to the Blues, family, and what it was like growing up on the southside of Chicago in the 90s. Tambourines are welcome.
groWTH
June 29 – July 31
Through mixed-media works featuring Black figures in barbershops, this exhibition delves into the power of nurturing growth within ourselves and our communities.
Community & Education Programs
Since 2016, our youth and education initiatives, including our hallmark mentorship program have engaged over 1,000 young people and 100,000 community members.
Through mentorship, we facilitate holistic interventions addressing the academic, social and emotional needs of participants beginning their 8th grade year. We link participants to wrap around support services, provide skills building workshops and curate special first time experiences to help stabilize each mentees pathway to success, targeting high school graduation and college readiness.
Through humanity events, we dive deep into the Black art and culture presented on our stage and in our gallery. We build containers that often interrupt public discourse and cultivates opportunities for reflection, dialogue and action.
Learn more about our work with youth and our audiences below.
Angels and Warriors Mentorship
Each year a cohort of eighth grade Angelenos are selected, and with mentorship are provided wraparound services to build their dreams—no matter their zip code.
Humanity Events
Learn how we engage audiences through community dialogues, personal reflection and collective action that build a healthier community.